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Letter: 'Sanctuary state' can take immigrants

The state, counties and cities should expand subsidized housing for immigrant families, provide essential social services, and help them find employment.

Since federal agencies can't properly care for desperate people intercepted at our southern border it's time for all compassionate Oregonians to help alleviate their plight.

Oregon is a sanctuary state, so if some of them are brought here while their cases are being adjudicated, they can rest assured that they'll not be deported. In my neighborhood several homes have signs in their yards stating that "Immigrants and Refugees are Welcome." These compassionate people might sponsor one or more unaccompanied children. They'd be with a loving family, they'd be safe, and could attend school and learn English.

The state, counties and cities should expand subsidized housing for immigrant families, provide essential social services, and help them find employment. This would enable immigrants to become independent and successful citizens when their asylum claims are eventually approved. Cultural and racial diversity makes America stronger and more just, so let's show America and the world how compassionate and generous Oregonians are. Yes, these measures would cost some money, but please remember, the quality of mercy is never strained.

James Caster

Tigard

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